“Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them” (Romans 1:32).

While we rarely have all the information needed to make decisions in life, Romans 1:32 tells us one thing for certain: those who reject their Creator do not act in ignorance regarding the consequences that flow from that decision. And since we naturally seek the affirmation of others as we travel our chosen path in life, we shouldn’t be surprised to find that other travelers along the road away from God offer support and encouragement along the way.

Jesus’ famous counsel from The Sermon On The Mount is instructive in this regard…

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (-14).

The following commentary ties these thoughts together…

“Paul’s conclusion is that the heathen are never without a witness to the presence and personality of God. They have the witness of nature and the witness of their own conscience. However, the heathen have deliberately suppressed these witnesses to the truth and have consistently opted for a lie in place of the truth. They have chosen the course of idolatry, which is always accompanied by debauchery.

Thus, God has revealed His wrath from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth of God. In addition, God has given them up to idolatry, to passions of infamy, and to an undiscerning and unapproving mind.” ₍₁₎

Another commentator adds, “…this chapter is a call to self-examination, the end of which should be, a deep conviction of sin, and of the necessity of deliverance from a state of condemnation.” ₍₂₎  As we look back on our study of Romans chapter one, the following verses from Romans chapter two function as a guidepost that points to the ultimate destination alluded to in this passage…

“[God] will give each one whatever his deeds deserve. He will give eternal life to those who patiently do the will of God, seeking for the unseen glory and honor and eternal life that he offers. But he will terribly punish those who fight against the truth of God and walk in evil ways-God’s anger will be poured out upon them” (Romans 2:6-8 TLB).

Image Attribution :The narrow gate, CC BY-NC 2.0,Adam, via flickr.com, disclaimer notice

(1) Edward E. Hindson and Woodrow Michael Kroll, eds., KJV Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1994), 2211.

(2) Henry, Matthew. “Concise Commentary on Romans 1”. “Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mhn/romans-1.html. 1706.

“who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them” (Romans 1:32).

How do objects become warped or twisted out of shape? In most cases, a sufficient amount of heat or pressure is all that is needed to cause most objects to warp, twist, or shatter. This question relates to our text from Romans chapter one in an important way.

With very few exceptions, every human being experiences the tangible reality of creation each day. Our daily interaction with the visible world points to the existence of a Creator who remains unseen. And then, in an unguarded moment, a thought may occur: “It’s impossible for everything to have arisen from nothing. What if there really is a God?”

But then we lay such questions aside as we return to the busy routine of daily life. But they never completely disappear: “How could ‘nothing’ produce ‘something’? What if God really exists?” No matter how many justifications, rationalizations, or excuses we layer upon those questions, they still remain: “What if…” They stick with us like a recurring irritant or a pebble in one’s shoe.

There’s something else as well. If we are honest with ourselves, we know we are not everything we should be. For instance, we know it is wrong to lie, steal, or use other human beings to accomplish our goals. We know such things are wrong because we object when others do such things to us. But who among us is innocent of these behaviors? That reality gives rise to painful truths we’d often prefer to avoid: “I stole something; that makes me a thief. I lied about something; that makes me a liar.”

We might try to rationalize those shortcomings by saying, “I’m not as bad as so-and-so,” but that doesn’t erase the guilt associated with such behaviors. And if given a choice, we usually prefer to avoid thinking about the fate of the guilty.

When we live with the external testimony of creation and the internal knowledge that we are not what we should be, many respond by attempting to suppress those realities. But that response creates pressure, and pressure is often difficult to contain. We can deal with that pressure by attempting to convince ourselves that we are little more than highly developed animals. That’s an attractive proposition for many, for if we are nothing more than highly evolved animals, then there is little reason why we cannot act like them.

Or we can attempt to substitute the infinite, all-powerful, unseen God for one that is better suited to our liking. In the words of Romans 1:25, we exchange the truth of God for the lie and remake God in our image. These are the pressures that inevitably twist the way we view ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

“undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful” (Romans 1:31).

The final group of sinful characteristics from this portion of Romans chapter one begins with a reference to those who are undiscerning. Discernment involves the ability to see things as they are, and not how they may appear to be. In light of this, the person described here in Romans 1:31 is someone who lacks the perception necessary to make spiritual, moral, or ethical judgments that align with God’s intent for His creation.

While such individuals might be highly skilled in a professional capacity, they may be entirely devoid of spiritual discernment. Jesus illustrated that unfortunate reality in an interaction with the religious leaders of His era…

“…’When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times'” (Matthew 16:2-3 NIV).

Thus, we are reminded that proficiency in one area of life does not necessarily mean that we possess the ability to discern spiritual truth.

That negative character trait is then followed by a reference to those who are untrustworthy. This attribute goes far beyond the simple question of whether it is wise to rely on someone or let that person borrow something we own. You see, every substantive human relationship must feature an element of trust as part of its foundation. When trust is not present, it is virtually impossible to invest emotionally in others.

This is why we are often forced to maintain shallow relationships with those we perceive to be untrustworthy. By doing so, we limit the capacity of those individuals to hurt us. This characteristic thus robs us of the ability to establish and maintain deep human relationships.

“Unloving” describes a lack of natural affection, such as the kind that should exist among friends and family members. Since love always seeks another person’s highest good, it is difficult to follow God’s command to love one another if we refuse to acknowledge Him. In such instances, “love” sometimes devolves into a matter of preference, convenience, or personal benefit.

Next comes those who are unforgiving. Forgiveness is “the act of excusing or pardoning others in spite of their slights, shortcomings, and errors.” ₍₁₎ If we fail to recognize our personal need for forgiveness, it becomes much harder to forgive others. This passage, along with Jesus’ teachings on the subject of forgiveness, should motivate us to seek God’s empowerment to put aside our animosities and embrace genuine forgiveness.

This verse then concludes with a reference to those who are unmerciful. Once again, we can turn to Jesus’ teachings for an important reminder on this subject: “Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

(1) “Forgiveness.” Ronald F. Youngblood, F. F. Bruce, and R. K. Harrison, Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds., Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1995).

“slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, proud, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents” (Romans 1:30 HCSB).

In the mid-1950’s, Japanese artist Mitsuteru Yokoyama pioneered a new genre of manga (Japanese comic books) and anime (Japanese animation) with his creation of Tetsujin 28-gō.

Yokoyama’s origin story for his new creation took place in the waning stages of World War II. In that fictional history, the Japanese government commissioned a group of scientists led by Dr. Shōtarō Kaneda and his assistant, Professor Shikishima, to create a secret weapon for use against the Allied forces. After twenty-seven failed attempts, Kaneda’s team successfully created Tetsujin 28 (“Iron Man 28”), a hulking robot that stood 18 meters (sixty feet) tall. However, Dr. Kaneda perished and the war ended before his creation could be pressed into service as a military weapon.

Although created as a war machine, Tetusjin 28’s control unit later passed into the hands of Dr. Kaneda’s son, who repurposed the giant robot for use in a fight against crime and a seemingly endless array of antagonists (many of whom possessed their own giant robots) who sought to dominate the world.

This brief cultural snapshot reminds us that most real-world technologies can be used for good or evil purposes depending on those who deploy them. But while a good invention might be misappropriated for evil purposes, our text from Romans 1:30 points to the inherently corrupt nature of those who “invent ways of doing evil” (NIV).

If you have ever encountered a device or research initiative and wondered, “What possible good could come from that?” then you may have come across the mindset described here in Romans 1:30. This passage from Romans chapter one thus identifies those who seek creative ways to demonstrate their sense of disrespect for their Creator.

The final characteristic that appears in this passage involves disobedience to parents. The long-standing directive to honor one’s parents was first inscribed within the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 20:12). It was later reiterated in the New Testament book of Ephesians, where we read, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3).

We should also note that this is the only Commandment that carries a personal incentive: “…so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (NIV). But more importantly, these passages tell us that those who rebel against parental authority also rebel against the One who established that authority as well.

Image Attribution: Tetsujin 28-gō, CC BY-NC 2.0, © pspechtenhauser, via flickr.com disclaimer notice. Tetsujin 28 is also known as Gigantor in the United States and some other areas of the world

“slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents” (Romans 1:30 ESV).

The next attribute cited in this list from Romans 1:30 involves those who are boastful (CSB) or braggarts (Mounce). This term is derived from the word alazon in the original text of this passage, and it refers to one who is “an empty pretender.” ₍₁₎ It describes those who are driven by a need to embellish their skills, abilities, assets, talents, or accomplishments. In other words, this characteristic defines those who boast of qualities they don’t actually possess.

The following commentator examines this word from a historical perspective…

“Alazon is a word with an interesting history… Xenophon said that the name belongs to those who pretend to be richer and braver than they are, and who promise to do what they are really unable to do in order to make some profit or gain. Again Theophrastus has a character study of such a man–the pretentious man, the snob. He is the kind of man who boasts of trade deals which exist only in his imagination, of connections with influential people which do not exist at all, of gifts to charities and public services which he never gave or rendered…

The braggart is out to impress others–and the world is still full of his like.” ₍₂₎

Many of us have probably encountered those who fit this description. Nevertheless, it should go without saying that this characteristic does not originate with God. Instead, the New Testament epistle of 1 John identifies the source of that character trait in 1 John 2:16: “…everything in the world -the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does- comes not from the Father but from the world” (NIV).

From the politician who boasts of fictional accomplishments, to the workplace acquaintance who embellishes his or her achievements, to the older adult whose self-assessment reflects a life that might have been, but never was, we can find examples of this character trait in every walk of life.

Such actions may conceal an underlying sense of insecurity that drives us to attempt to elevate ourselves in the sight of others. But whatever the underlying cause, the need for such boastfulness disappears for those who find their approval in Christ. That relationship brings humility (for we know we are unworthy of what Christ has done on our behalf) and security (for we can be secure in the knowledge that we are accepted in Him).

(1) G213 – alazon – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g213/kjv/tr/0-1/

(2) Barclay, William. “Commentary on Romans 1”. “William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible“. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb/romans-1.html. 1956-1959.

“They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents” (Romans 1:30 NLT).

We may have a tendency to rush past these references to the insolent or arrogant (CSB) individuals who are mentioned here in Romans 1:30. This is especially true in light of the more prominent behaviors that appear throughout Romans 1:29-31. But a cursory glance at this reference might overlook the highly inappropriate conduct that is described for us within this passage. For instance, this word identifies…

• “…one who behaves with humiliating and unconscionable arrogance to those who are not powerful enough to retaliate.” ₍₁₎
• “…one who, uplifted with pride, either heaps insulting language upon others or does them some shameful act of wrong.” ₍₂₎
• “It describes the man who is wantonly and sadistically cruel and insulting. Aristotle describes it as the spirit which harms and grieves someone else, not for the sake of revenge and not for any advantage that may be gained from it, but simply for the sheer pleasure of hurting. There are people who get pleasure from seeing someone wince at a cruel saying. There are people who take a devilish delight in inflicting mental and physical pain on others. That is hubris (G5196); it is the sadism which finds delight in hurting others simply for the sake of hurting them.” ₍₃₎

To borrow a phrase that appears in the following chapter of this epistle, we might say to those who engage in such behavior, “…you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God” (Romans 2:5).

Another related characteristic is pride. Pride is emblematic of those who consider themselves to be superior to others or those who possess an inflated opinion of themselves. That attitude subsequently reveals itself in the form of arrogant, contemptuous behavior towards others. While there may be many contributing factors that help explain those responses, the important thing is to identify these attitudes and prayerfully seek God’s enablement to remove them from our lives.

Paul the Apostle will later provide us with an effective way to guard against pride later in Romans 12:3: “I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one” (CSB). Another, more direct, incentive appears in the Biblical book of Proverbs: “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18 CSB).

(1) F. F. Bruce, The Letter of Paul to the Roman [p. 81] quoted in Notes on Romans 2025 Edition, Dr. Thomas L. Constable https://soniclight.com/tcon/notes/pdf/romans.pdf<s/mall>

(2) Rich Cathers, Romans 1:24-32. (n.d.). https://bstudy2.calvaryfullerton.org/45%20Rom/2008/45%20Rom%2001d.htm

(3) Barclay, William. “Commentary on Romans 1”. “William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible“. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb/romans-1.html. 1956-1959.

“backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents” (Romans 1:30).

• “Unnamed sources report…”
• “According to those who spoke on the condition of anonymity…”
• “As stated by those who declined to be named…”

These phrases (and others like them) are undoubtedly familiar to anyone who follows the daily news cycle. While an unnamed source might have a good reason to maintain anonymity, that may not be the case in every instance.

For instance, a professional athlete with an agenda might leak disparaging information about a player, coach, or manager to a reporter. Politicians might quietly spread unsubstantiated allegations among sympathetic news outlets in order to smear a political rival. Then there are media organizations that seek to frame the news of the day in a manner that supports an ideological bias or malign those who do not subscribe to their preferred narrative. These behaviors have become so commonplace that we often come to expect them.

They also serve to illustrate the next characteristic in our survey of Romans 1:29-31. That trait is “backbiting,” or “backstabbing” (NLT). This phrase conveys several negative qualities such as…

• One who is a defamer, or evil speaker. ₍₁₎
• Evil-speaking, or maliciously defaming the absent. ₍₂₎
• To speak evil of, to malign. ₍₃₎

“Evil” is the common denominator among these definitions and thus emphasizes the harm and misfortune that such conduct inflicts upon others. It also brings Jesus’ message from Matthew 12:35-36 into sharp focus: “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak” (NLT).

This is followed by “haters of God.” While this may seem to be a rather harsh indictment, consider the following observation: “Not many people would admit that they hate God, choosing rather to think of themselves as rather tolerant of him. But nowhere do they show their hatred more than in their condescending attitudes.” ₍₄₎

One common illustration of the truth behind that statement occurs whenever someone employs Jesus’ name as a profanity or an expletive. Another example occurs whenever we casually refer to God in a thoughtless, flippant, irreverent, or condescending manner. Some examples might include the term “ohmigod,” “OMG,” or other similar expressions.

While some might argue that such exclamations do not express hatred for God, they expose a presumptuous mindset that assumes God is not worthy to be taken seriously. Furthermore, such actions disregard a clear directive from the Scripture: “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name” (Exodus 20:7 NIV).

Image Attribution: Kaworu1992, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) G2637 – katalalos – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2637/kjv/tr/0-1/

(2) Christian Classics Ethereal Library, M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition. “Backbite.” https://www.ccel.org/e/easton/ebd/ebd/T0000400.html#T0000413

(3) “Slander.” Unger, M. F., Harrison, R. K., & Vos, H. F. (1988). The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary. Moody Publishers. [p. 1203]

(4) Boice, J. M. (2005). Romans: Justification by Faith (Romans 1-4). Baker Books. [p.189]

“being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers” (Romans 1:29).

Romans 1:29 continues this list of negative characteristics with a reference to “evil mindedness.” One source tells us that the ancient philosopher Aristotle associated this idea with “the spirit which always supposes the worst about other people.” ₍₁₎ Other references relate this idea to bad character ₍₂₎ or a disposition for mischief, misfortune, and malignity. ₍₃₎

Since “evil” can be defined as something that causes harm, misfortune, or destruction, an evil-minded person will surely bring those qualities into his or her relationships with others. To illustrate this idea, let’s take the example of an employee who decides to secretly retaliate against an employer to avenge a perceived wrong. The issue with that response is twofold. First, it shows a clear disregard for the Biblical teaching on that subject. Next, a person who follows that path will bring harm, misfortune, or destruction against his or her employer, and thus exhibit evil-mindedness as a result.

Such a person might also exhibit a few of the other qualities mentioned here in Romans 1:29 including maliciousness and/or deceit. Thus, we can learn much about how we should conduct our lives by examining these characteristics.

Next comes a reference to “whisperers,” or those who secretly slander others. This generally involves false statements that are intended to bring reputational damage to others. We might associate this word with a person who quietly disparages others, or those who “talk behind your back” as described below…

“[This word] describes the man who whispers his malicious stories in the listener’s ear, who takes a man apart into a corner and whispers a character-destroying story. Both are bad, but the whisperer is the worse. A man can at least defend himself against an open slander, but he is helpless against the secret whisperer who delights in destroying reputations.” ₍₄₎

Another commentator offers a challenging truth concerning those who engage in such conduct: “People whisper their plans because they cannot speak them aloud. Even in a fallen world, our plans are so evil that others will reject them, so we whisper.” ₍₅₎ We should also note that this seemingly minor indiscretion is included among other, higher-profile sins such as sexual immorality and murder here in Romans 1:29. Therefore, we should consider the possibility that this “minor” transgression is not nearly as insignificant as it may seem.

This is especially true in light of Jesus’ cautionary message from the Gospel of Luke…

“For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops” (Luke 12:2-3).

(1) Barclay, William. “Commentary on Romans 1”. “William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible“. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb/romans-1.html. 1956-1959.

(2) G2550 – kakoetheia – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2550/kjv/tr/0-1/

(3) kakoetheia (n.d.). billmounce.com. https://www.billmounce.com/greek-dictionary/kakoetheia

(4) Barclay, Ibid.

(5) Sproul, R. C. (2024). The power of the Gospel: A Year in Romans. [p. 41]

“They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,” (Romans 1:29 ESV).

“Strife” is the next trait that appears on this list of negative attributes from Romans 1:29. This characteristic refers to the contention, rivalry, and discord we sometimes experience with others. The New Testament epistle of 1 Timothy tells us that the qualities of pride and ignorance may sometimes lead to strife with others (see 1 Timothy 6:3-5).

The Old Testament book of Proverbs contains over a dozen references to strife and its associated characteristics. Those references offer many valuable insights for personal reflection…

“Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins” (Proverbs 10:12).

“By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom” (Proverbs 13:10).

“An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends” (Proverbs 16:28).

“Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease” (Proverbs 22:10).

“As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife” (Proverbs 26:21).

“He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered” (Proverbs 28:25).

“An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression” (Proverbs 29:22).

The following commentary also offers several helpful observations concerning this subject…

“Its meaning is the contention which is born of envy, ambition, the desire for prestige, and place and prominence. It comes from the heart in which there is jealousy. If a man is cleansed of jealousy, he has gone far to being cleansed of all that arouses contention and strife. It is a God-given gift to be able to take as much pleasure in the successes of others as in one’s own.” ₍₁₎

This reference to strife is then followed by another ungodly attribute: deceit. “Deceit” involves an effort to manipulate or fool others in a dishonest manner. The type of deceit mentioned here refers to “a bait or contrivance for entrapping.” ₍₂₎ Other descriptive terms that characterize this idea include guile, treachery, and cunning (in a bad way).

From a person who “shades the truth” to gain a personal advantage, to the unscrupulous merchant who dishonestly markets a defective product to an unsuspecting consumer, this quality describes those who trick or mislead others. Much like the quality of maliciousness mentioned earlier in this verse, this form of deceit involves the intent to injure someone, and should not be found among those who profess to follow Christ.

Image Attribution: Nallaislyceesiegfried le havre, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) Barclay, William. “Commentary on Romans 1”. “William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible“. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb/romans-1.html. 1956-1959.

(2) dolos (n.d.). billmounce.com. https://www.billmounce.com/greek-dictionary/dolos

“They are filled with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, malice. They are rife with envy, murder, strife, deceit, hostility. They are gossips” (Romans 1:29 NET).

The next attribute given to us in Romans 1:29 is the horrific act of murder. One reference defines murder as “the unlawful killing of a human being with malice.” ₍₁₎ Although that definition appears straightforward, the act of murder takes many forms.

For example, “premeditated murder” refers to a killing that is planned in advance. That offense is generally classified as first-degree criminal homicide in the United States. Another type of murder is manslaughter. This describes a form of homicide that occurs when someone kills another person without prior intent.

Manslaughter is typically divided into two subcategories. The first is voluntary manslaughter (a death that occurs “in the heat of the moment” or when someone seeks to injure, but not kill someone). The second is involuntary manslaughter (or an unintentional death that results from criminal negligence or recklessness).

We should also note that “killing” does not always constitute murder, for there may be reasonable grounds that justify the act of taking another person’s life. Those grounds might include a judicially sanctioned execution (also known as capital punishment), an act of self-defense, or a circumstance where a soldier engages in lethal force against an enemy during an armed conflict.

With these things in mind, we can say murder is a crime that violates the sixth commandment and shows a callous disregard for human life. Furthermore, an act of murder demonstrates contempt for God, for it involves a lawless act that ends the life of someone who is created in His image. Murder is also an attribute of Satan, our spiritual adversary. Consider Jesus’ characterization of Satan from the Gospel of John: “…He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him…” (John 8:44).

Finally, Jesus also expanded the definition of murder to include our internal thought life as well…

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment…” (Matthew 5:21-22, see also Mark 7:20-23).

To this, one source adds…

“You appeal to the sixth commandment, which forbids murder, and you feel good about this because you have never actually murdered anybody. But have you forgotten that God looks on the heart and judges by thoughts and wishes as well as by actions? Have you never been angry enough with somebody to want to murder that person? Jesus said on one occasion that even speaking a defamatory word is sufficient to incur God’s wrath for breaking this commandment (Matt. 5:21-22).” ₍₂₎

Therefore, we should seek God’s empowerment to avoid all such expressions of murder.

(1) 1536. Murder — Definition and degrees. (2020, January 17). https://www.justice.gov/archives/jm/criminal-resource-manual-1536-murder-definition-and-degrees

(2) Boice, J. M. (2005). Romans: Justification by Faith (Romans 1-4). Baker Books. [p.205]

“being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers” (Romans 1:29).

“The judgment of man upon God was the judgment that God was not worthy of human consideration. The error of the human mind does not proceed from a mere logical miscalculation. It was not an error flowing out of logical reasoning, but a deliberate evaluation of the worth of the knowledge of God. The error of the pagan is not accidental, but clearly deliberate. The ‘not seeing fit’ is an obstinate refusal to acknowledge that which is manifestly true.” ₍₁₎

Romans 1:29 begins a partial list of consequences that arise from an implicit or explicit rejection of God. That list characterizes those cultures and individuals who do “…not like to retain God in their knowledge” (Romans 1:28). The Apostle Paul offered similar “vice lists” in several of his Biblical epistles, but the catalog given to us here in Romans 1:29-31 is the most extensive (see 1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:9-11; 2 Corinthians 12:20-21; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 4:31; 5:3-4; and Colossians 3:5-9).

That decision inevitably leads to the following list of negative effects…

• Unrighteousness. As mentioned earlier, “unrighteousness” is a wide-ranging term that encompasses various forms of injustice, inappropriate conduct, or violations of the law.
• Sexual immorality. In the original language of this passage, the phrase “sexual immorality” is derived from the word porneia. This word serves as the basis for our modern-day term “pornography.” It encompasses any type of physical relationship that occurs outside of a Biblically sanctioned marriage partnership. Jesus also expanded that definition to include internal expressions of sexual immorality as well (Matthew 5:27-28).
• Wickedness. Synonyms for wickedness include depravity, iniquity, and malice ₍₂₎
• Covetousness. This word envelopes a wide variety of inappropriate desires. It refers to a greedy aspiration to obtain more of something we already possess. It may also characterize a desire to possess something (or someone) that belongs to someone else. This word is thus used to identify one who craves more, especially what belongs to others.
• Maliciousness. “Maliciousness” involves a desire to harm others or see others suffer. It also pertains to an act that intends to bring injury to someone else.
• Envy involves a sense of discontent or resentment when others are blessed or successful. One source associates “envy” with “…the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others.” ₍₃₎ If an envious person cannot secure the qualities that others possess, he or she may seek to belittle or ridicule such things.

We’ll continue with our survey of this list of characteristics next.

(1) Sproul, R. C. (1988). If there’s a God, why are there atheists? Tyndale House Pub.
(2) G4189 – poneria – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4189/kjv/tr/0-1/
(3) G5355 – phthonos Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, © 1984, 1996, Thomas Nelson, Inc.

“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting” (Romans 1:28).

Having examined the root cause of humanity’s rebellion against its Creator, Paul the Apostle now turns to a consequence of that decision here in Romans 1:28: divine abandonment. This response is perhaps best articulated in the Living Bible paraphrase of this passage: “…God gave them up to doing everything their evil minds could think of” (TLB).

One author makes a pointed observation regarding this verse that we may condense and summarize as follows: “There are many that have God in their knowledge but they do not retain Him there because it thwarts their lusts, they do not like it. There is a difference between the knowledge and acknowledgement of God; the pagans knew God, but would not acknowledge Him.” ₍₁₎

This underscores the element of personal responsibility assumed by those who “…did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God” (CSB). Since these individuals did not find value in the knowledge of God they already had, He permitted them to experience the natural consequences that flowed from that decision. Several other commentators offer brief (yet perceptive), insights regarding this passage that are well worth our attention…

“People reject the natural knowledge they have of God. This rejection, however, does not annihilate either the revelation or the knowledge itself. The sin of mankind is in refusing to acknowledge the knowledge they have. They act against the truth that God reveals and they clearly receive. ₍₂₎

“The human race put God to the test for the purpose of approving Him should He meet the specifications which it laid down for a God who would be to its liking, and finding that He did not meet those specifications, it refused to approve Him as the God to be worshipped, or have Him in its knowledge.” ₍₃₎

“Truth would enter human hearts from God’s work in nature and from conscience, yet men pull down the blind and close the curtain. It is not that they do not know, but that they refuse to have God in their knowledge. They shun the thought of God, Psa_10:4.” ₍₄₎

“…for the third time in almost as many verses, the apostle records that God gave them up (or over) to what they wanted all along. When He did so, the results were disastrous.” ₍₅₎

Paul will go on to identify several of the shameful exits along this road away from God over the last few verses of this chapter.

(1) Condensed and adapted from Verses 19–32 – Matthew Henry’s commentary – Bible Gateway. (n.d.). https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Rom.1.19-Rom.1.32
(2) Sproul, R. C. (1997). Grace Unknown: The Heart of Reformed Theology. Baker Publishing Group.
(3) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament (note on Romans 1:28) Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
(4) Meyer, Frederick Brotherton. “Commentary on Romans 1“. “F. B. Meyer’s ‘Through the Bible’ Commentary“. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/fbm/romans-1.html. 1914.
(5) Edward E. Hindson and Woodrow Michael Kroll, eds., KJV Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1994), 2211.

“Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due” (Romans 1:27).

The Biblical account of creation defines God’s design for marriage as a formal, monogamous union between one genetic male and one genetic female (see Genesis 2:22). That design thus excludes premarital, extramarital, polygamous, polyamorous, or same-sex relationships as appropriate venues for human sexual expression. In addition to what we read here in Romans 1:26-27, the Scriptures offer several admonitions regarding these types of relationships and other such behaviors (see Leviticus 18:20, Hebrews 13:4, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Ephesians 5:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 1 Timothy 1:9-10, and Revelation 21:8 for some examples).

Much like the prohibition regarding heterosexual adultery, the Biblical prohibition concerning same-sex relationships originates in the Old Testament book of Leviticus: “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads” (20:13 NIV). As we’re told in the 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 passage linked above, those whose lives are characterized by such conduct will not inherit the kingdom of God.

It is also worth noting that homosexual engagements were common among certain segments of first-century Roman society, thus reflecting a trend seen among many 21st-century cultures as well. In fact, multiple sources report that at least a dozen of the first fifteen Roman emperors were involved in homosexual or bisexual relationships, including Nero, most notably.

With this in mind, we can say that this portion of Romans probably faced widespread condemnation outside the Christian community when it first appeared, particularly in a city that served as the preeminent center of Roman power and authority. At a minimum, this message certainly would have met with some degree of cultural resistance, as is often the case today.

Finally, we should note that homosexuality is one among many practices that appear in closing verses of Romans chapter one. As one commentator observes, “Christians err when they excuse homosexuality, and deny that it is sin. But they also err just as badly when they single it out as a sin God is uniquely angry with.” ₍₁₎ Another source offers the following insight: “Human sexuality is a much larger concept than sexual behaviour. It’s focus falls more on what people are than on what they do.”₍₂₎ In the case of same-sex relationships, this preference reflects an internal mindset that is contrary to God’s intent for His creation.

(1) David Guzik, 1 Corinthians 6 – Lawsuits and Loose Living [4. (8-11)] https://enduringword.com/commentary/1-corinthians-6/

(2) Ferguson, S. B., Packer, J. I., & Wright, D. F. (1988). New Dictionary of Theology. IVP Academic. pg. 637

“For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature” (Romans 1:26).

Whenever we remove God from the position of highest priority in life, the resulting consequences will inevitably permeate every aspect of our lives. To illustrate that reality, Paul the Apostle turns to the impact of that decision in the realm of sexual expression. From a physiological perspective, male and female anatomies are naturally designed for physical compatibility. But when we are untethered from an acknowledgment of God and His blueprint for human relationships, we may choose to express our natural physical desires in ways that go beyond that natural design.

“Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due” (Romans 1:27).

We can begin our consideration of these verses with a look at God’s intent for intimate relationships. That discussion begins with the first two members of the human family…

“Then the Lord God formed a woman from the rib that he had taken from the man. He brought her to the man. The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She will be named woman because she was taken from man.’ That is why a man will leave his father and mother and will be united with his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:22-24).

While many dismiss this portion of Scripture as nothing more than a fantasy, myth, or legend, Jesus accepted the historic truth of this account (Matthew 19:4-6). Therefore, we can make use of this passage to inform our discussion of this topic based on His authority.

Our text from Genesis chapter two identifies God’s intent for human sexual expression: one man and one woman. If God instilled a different orientation within some members of His human creation, it would conflict with the precedent He set forth here in the book of Genesis.

Nevertheless, proponents of same-sex relationships may seek to validate that position by highlighting the natural attraction that frequently exists between such couples. While this argument seems valid, it’s important to remember that “natural” doesn’t always mean permissible or right. In fact, a natural inclination that “feels right” may be far removed from God’s intent for humanity. For example, a heterosexual person might naturally feel a desire to engage in multiple physical relationships with the opposite sex. However, the Scriptures condemn such conduct as well.

“who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen” (Romans 1:25).

In considering this passage, the great 17th century commentator Matthew Henry once remarked, “It was the greatest honour God did to man that he made man in the image of God; but it is the greatest dishonour man has done to God that he has made God in the image of man.” ₍₁₎ This portion of Scripture thus depicts a form of idolatry without ever resorting to the use of that word.

Idolatry occurs when someone worships some aspect of creation instead of the One who brought creation into existence. We can define an “idol” as anything that supplants God in the hierarchy of our lives. Whenever someone chooses to prioritize anything above God, that “something” (whatever it is) effectively becomes an idol.

That alternative doesn’t need to incorporate a spiritual idea or belief. Instead, it may reflect an opinion, an ideology, or a deeply held conviction that shapes the direction of our lives. Of course, some might object to Romans 1:25 and its use of the words “worshiped” and “served“ in this context. Since most people in this century do not practice the ancient pagan custom of bowing before a crafted image, we might be under the impression that we do not engage in such idolatrous behavior.

But when we speak of idolatry (ancient or modern), we are essentially referring to a matter of priorities. For instance, let’s take the case of an individual who prioritizes some aspect of his or her life above everything else,  including God. A person who does so is someone who is just as guilty of idolatry as the person who bowed before a carved image in the Old Testament era. To borrow a portion of our text from Romans 1:25, each of these individuals exchanges the creature for the Creator, for each relinquishes God’s rightful place in their lives to something else. The same is true of anything that takes God’s place in our lives.

Such practices are an affront to a Creator who merits our love and reverence, not our contempt. As Jesus Himself once said, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other…” (Matthew 6:24 NIV). Thus, “…religious honor cannot be given to a creature, without taking it away, in a disgraceful and sacrilegious manner, from God.” ₍₂₎

(1) Verses 19–32 – Matthew Henry’s commentary – Bible Gateway. (n.d.). https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Rom.1.19-Rom.1.32

(2) John Calvin: Commentary on Romans – Christian Classics Ethereal Library. (n.d.). https://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom38.v.vii.html#:~:text=John%20Calvin:%20Commentary%20on%20Romans%20%2D%20Christian%20Classics%20Ethereal%20Library via Worshiping the Creature (2014, January 20). Ligonier Ministries. https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/worshiping-creature

“Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen” (Romans 1:24-25).

Romans 1:24 identifies the correlation that exists between one’s beliefs and the consequences that flow from those beliefs. If we could visualize that progression in the form of a flowchart, we might do so in the following manner…

This progression exists because people generally act on what they believe unless something prevents them from doing so. If God elects to remove His restraints from those who choose to reject Him and subsequently delivers them over to “…the lusts of their own hearts” (Romans 1:24 KJV), then He no longer shields them from the impact of their choices. As we’ll see, that progression leads to an array of negative consequences once those restraints are removed.

The word “lust” that appears here in Romans 1:24 identifies a craving, urge, or longing for something forbidden. ₍₁₎ Lust often accompanies a range of inappropriate behaviors, including selfishness, immorality, and malicious conduct (see Colossians 3:5-9). We should also notice that the word “exchange” appears once again in Romans 1:25: “…[they] exchanged the truth of God for the lie.” We might understand this reference to “the lie” in the context of those who “suppress the truth” concerning God’s existence (Romans 1:18).

A person who wishes to have nothing to do with his or her Creator must replace Him at the top of life’s priority scale with something else. That “something else” might be a person, an idea, an object, or anything that someone loves, respects, or fears the most. That’s the exchange that takes place here in this passage. It involves substituting “the lie” (in whatever form it takes) for “the truth” concerning God. This “lie exchange” thus occurs whenever someone replaces God with anything that takes His place.

It is one thing to deny the existence of God, but it is another matter to add insult to that denial by worshiping a member of His created realm. Another source adds the following insight…

“All through history foolish men have attempted to bring God down to their level, portraying Him in various images and worshiping created things rather than the Creator. It’s a direct violation of the first two of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–5). Their minds rejected the proof they had of the divine nature, so, as a just punishment, God abandoned them to minds incapable of grasping the truth (Romans 1:19–20).” ₍₂₎

(1) G1939 – epithymia – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1939/kjv/tr/0-1/

(2) GotQuestions.org. (2024, November 7). What does it mean that “God gave them over” in Romans 1:24–28? https://www.gotquestions.org/God-gave-them-over.html

“Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves” (Romans 1:24).

Thus far in Romans chapter one, Paul the Apostle has established several links that unite an attitude or behavior with an associated consequence. For example, God expresses His wrath against those who choose to suppress the truth in unrighteousness (verse eighteen). In addition, those who reject the existence of God are without excuse since His attributes are clearly seen in the created realm (verses nineteen and twenty).

In verse twenty-one, Paul explained that a refusal to acknowledge God leads to futility. Finally, those who professed to be wise ultimately exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for images of His creation. In doing so, they became fools (verses twenty-two and twenty-three). Here now in verse twenty-four, our author introduces another related consequence: God responds to those who take such actions by “giving them up” to their preferences.

This act of “giving them up” communicates the idea of someone who is surrendered into one’s power or use. ₍₁₎ When people habitually reject and dishonor God, He may opt to withdraw from them and permit them to dishonor themselves. This is a form of judgment in itself; God delivers them over (the judicial decision) to the degrading and shameful desires of their hearts (the corresponding sentence). In one sense, it is almost as if God says to the unrighteous, “If that’s the way you want it to be, I’m going to let you do what you want.”

So, the decision to reject God did not lead these individuals to become more virtuous or honorable human beings. On the contrary, that decision led to dishonor and a multitude of destructive behaviors that our author will catalog in the closing verses of this chapter. God did not initiate that chain of events but “steps aside” to permit the unrighteous to follow the path they have chosen…

“Paul clearly portrays the inevitable downward spiral into sin. First, people reject God; next, they make up their own ideas of what a god should be and do; then they fall into every kind of wickedness: greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. Finally, they grow to hate God and encourage others to do so. God does not cause this steady progression toward evil. Rather, when people reject him, he allows them to live as they choose. God gives them over to or permits them to experience the natural consequences of their sin.” ₍₂₎

(1) G3860 – paradidomi – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3860/kjv/tr/0-1/

(2) Life Application Study Bible [Romans 1:21-32] Copyright © 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers Inc., all rights reserved.

“Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for an image resembling mortal human beings or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles” (Romans 1:22-23 NET).

This passage speaks of an exchange that takes place with those who choose to reject the existence of God. This concept should be familiar to virtually everyone, for we frequently engage in various types of exchanges each day. Perhaps the most common example is the person who is seeking to purchase an item from a merchant. To do so, the buyer must exchange money (or another commodity) in order to complete the sale.

A wise consumer aims to secure a “good buy” by acquiring an item with a value that meets or exceeds its purchase price. However, let’s consider the exchange that takes place here in Romans 1:22-23. In this transaction, a priceless treasure (God) is exchanged for a inferior imitation (a human-like image or a representative of the animal kingdom). Today, we might add other commodities (like financial wealth or material possessions) to that list of substitutes.

However, this decision involves more than just a bad deal. A good consumer might recover from a bad purchase, but foolishness will undoubtedly manifest itself in many different areas of life. Unfortunately, a decision to exchange “…the glory and majesty and excellence of the immortal God” (AMP) offers an excellent starting point for a variety of foolish choices.

From ancient mythologies that remade God in man’s image, to modern-day idolatries that replace God at the top of life’s priority scale with social status, power, influence, or other types of acquisitions, humanity has consistently attempted to reconcile its rejection of God by substituting Him with something else. In fact, we can trace the origin of such behaviors all the way back to Garden of Eden.

As the following source observes, “One of Paul’s primary points in Romans 1:22–25 is that there is no such thing as religious neutrality within the hearts and minds of human beings. When people reject the one true God, they do not stop worshiping; rather, they direct their religious affections elsewhere. Only the term foolishness can describe this redirection of devotion.” ₍₁₎

So, those who embrace such practices reveal their foolishness. They also violate the very first of the Ten Commandments…

“You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them” (Exodus 20:3-5 NIV).

Image Attribution : Exchange by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Alpha Stock Images via The Blue Diamond Gallery

(1) Worshiping the Creature (2014, January 20). Ligonier Ministries. https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/worshiping-creature

“Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things” (Romans 1:22-23 ESV).

What mental image does the word “fool” elicit? In the original language of this passage, the word “fool” is moros, and serves as the precursor to our contemporary term “moron.” This word typically describes someone who is lacking in wisdom, understanding, good judgment, or common sense. The Old Testament book of Psalms offers another definition of this word that relates to our text from Romans 1:22-23: “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God…'” (Psalm 14:1).

Those who seek to navigate through life without the acknowledgment of God are those who are charting a foolish course. One source builds upon this concept with the following observations…

“The New International Theological Dictionary of New Testament Theology adds, ‘Moros means foolish, stupid and, like moria, foolishness denotes inappropriate behavior, thought or speech, both of single lapses of sense as well as in the sense of a permanent attribute.’ In other words, people who claim to be wise apart from God are not just acting foolishly in the moment; they are demonstrating the lifestyle and worldview they have adopted, and the impact thereof.

The idea behind the word moros is that there is ‘a power which dominates man.’ His foolishness is beyond his comprehension or control. He acts foolishly, but believes that his foolishness is wisdom.” ₍₁₎

Another commentator shares some additional insights concerning the fool described in this passage…

“Instead of looking out to God, he looked into himself. He involved himself in vain speculations and thought he was wise, while all the time he was a fool. Why? He was a fool because he made his ideas, his opinions, his speculations the standard and the law of life, instead of the will of God. The sinner’s folly consisted in making ‘man the master of things.’ He found his standards in his own opinions and not in the laws of God. He lived in a self-centred instead of a God-centred universe. Instead of walking looking out to God he walked looking into himself, and, like any man who does not look where he is going, he fell.” ₍₂₎

Of course, it is reasonable to expect that foolish individuals will eventually engage in foolish actions. If we choose to reject the one true God, we must then replace Him with an inferior substitute as the object of highest worth in our lives. Our author will provide us with some examples of those inferior substitutes in the following verse.

Image Attribution: Johann Georg Rauch, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) Baucham, V., Jr. (2015). Expository Apologetics: Answering Objections with the Power of the Word. Wheaton, IL: Crossway. Page 27.

(2) Romans 1 – Barclay’s Daily Study Bible (n.d.). StudyLight.org. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb/romans-1.html

“Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man–and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things” (Romans 1:22-23).

The idea of “cause and effect” refers to an action, event, or decision that is followed by a related consequence. Here in the book of Romans, one such relationship is exemplified in those who choose to hold down or suppress the truth of God’s existence. That decision produces the effect described for us in Romans 1:21: “For even though they knew God, they did not honor him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (NAS).

Once we begin by suppressing the truth of God’s existence, we proceed from a starting point that is fundamentally flawed. On the other hand, the Biblical book of Proverbs directs us to the right departure point for good decision-making: “… the reverence and fear of God are basic to all wisdom. Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding” ( Proverbs 9:10 TLB). Psalm 111:10 adds, “To obey the Lord is the fundamental principle for wise living; all who carry out his precepts acquire good moral insight…” (NET).

If we start with a flawed premise (like rejecting the truth of God’s existence that is revealed in the natural realm), then everything that flows from that premise is likely to be erroneous as well. That is the consequence of a mindset that is predicated on the assumption that God does not exist. It ultimately leads to the reasoning process described for us here in Romans 1:22: “Behind a facade of ‘wisdom’ they became just fools, fools who would exchange the glory of the eternal God for an imitation image…” (Phillips).

These inferences are important because every moral conviction finds its ultimate source in our beliefs concerning God. For instance, a person who believes in the existence of an all-powerful God who has created human beings in His image and holds us accountable for our actions is likely to make different moral choices than a person who doesn’t hold those beliefs. This is why our views on such matters are critically important, for the things we believe influence the choices we make.

If God does not occupy the highest position of worth in our lives, we are bound to replace Him with an inferior substitute. That decision also leads to another type of cause and effect relationship that Paul the Apostle will go on to describe in the following verse.

“Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship Him as God or even give Him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused” (Romans 1:21 NLT).

Romans 1:21 offers an incisive look at those “…who knew all the time that there is a God, yet they refused to acknowledge him as such, or to thank him for what he is or does” (Phillips). According to this passage, the problem isn’t a lack of awareness regarding God’s existence. The issue is that we refuse to acknowledge Him despite our awareness of His existence. That refusal leads to an attempt to redefine “god” in ways that align with our “dark and confused” speculations concerning Him.

One source explains the crux of the issue…

“…it should be observed that Paul does not say that natural persons cannot perceive truth about God, but that they do not receive (Gk. δεκομαι, ‘welcome’) it. Paul emphatically declares that the basic truths about God are ‘clearly seen’ (Rom. 1:20). The problem is not that unbelievers are not aware of God’s existence. They do not want to accept him because of the moral consequences this would have on their sinful lives.” ₍₁₎

That decision yields another unfortunate response: ingratitude. When a gracious, benevolent Creator “…makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45), we would do well to respond with an attitude of thankfulness and appreciation. Instead, we’re told that such individuals “became futile in their thinking” (ESV).

“Futility” denotes something that is useless and devoid of purpose. This definition is important, for our text from Romans 1:21 reveals a concern that is far more significant than it seems. For instance, consider the thoughts and activities that fill our days. Think about the way we invest our time, talents, and capabilities in the various affairs of life. There are many ideologies, beliefs, and philosophies that allow us to indulge in the belief that we are pursuing “the important things in life.” But apart from a genuine relationship with God in Christ, those pursuits ultimately lead to futility.

No reasonable person should choose to live a life of futility. No rational individual should approach the twilight years of life with the realization that he or she has failed to produce anything of lasting significance. Yet Romans 1:21 tells us that a refusal to act on what we know about God ultimately leads to that end.

(1) “Objections to Apologetics” Geisler, N. L. 1999. Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics. Baker Reference library. Baker Books: Grand Rapids, Mich

“because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21).

Our discussion of general revelation is important in light of what follows here in Romans 1:21. This portion of Scripture tells us that a single motivating factor underlies the denial of God’s existence as revealed in nature: people don’t acknowledge God because they are unwilling to do so. In other words, their rejection is volitional, not evidential.

While we may seek to insulate our decision to reject God’s existence with layers of justifications and/or rationalizations, the issue ultimately comes down to a matter of preference: we prefer to do what we wish rather than subject ourselves to God and His agenda for our lives. But if we decline to acknowledge the only One who is good, that leaves us with one alternative. The New Testament Gospel of John employs the metaphors of light and darkness to illustrate that alternative…

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19 NIV).

For example, if we were to accept the premise that God does not exist, then we would no longer face an obligation to conduct ourselves in a manner that is acceptable to Him. However, there is a problem with that approach: it compels us to suppress the testimony of a creation that affirms God’s existence in order to live in a manner that presumes He doesn’t exist. This is what ultimately prompts us to “suppress the truth is unrighteousness” according to Romans 1:18.

Romans 1:21 thus alludes to a potentially uncomfortable truth for many: the acknowledgment of God carries an obligation to honor Him and give Him thanks. When faced with that obligation, some respond by taking the evidence of God’s existence as it is revealed in nature and placing that evidence in a box, so to speak. We subsequently place that box in a remote corner of our mental closet where we won’t have to think about it any further. Then we live out the remainder of our lives in the hope that everything will turn out for the best when we pass from this life.

In the meantime, we proceed to serve ourselves instead of God in whatever indulgences we desire (and can afford). Thus, the words of Romans 1:21 (and the following verses) come to pass: “…they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (ESV).

“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20 ESV).

In addition to what we read here in Romans 1:19-20, the Old Testament book of Psalms addresses the subject of general revelation…

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays his handiwork. Day after day it speaks out; night after night it reveals his greatness. There is no actual speech or word, nor is its voice literally heard. Yet its voice echoes throughout the earth; its words carry to the distant horizon…” (Psalm 19:1-4 NET).

This portion of Scripture offers several pieces of information that relate to our text from the book of Romans…

• First, the stellar heavens showcase the magnificence of God and serve as a testament to His existence.
• Next, they serve as a continual witness. This revelation concerning God’s power and majesty literally takes place day and night and offers a constant reminder of His reality.
• Furthermore, this revelation extends to every corner of the earth. There are no geographic barriers to this form of God’s revelation.
• Finally, the language of God’s revelation in the natural realm is a universal language that anyone can understand.

We can illustrate this function of the celestial heavens with the image of a train that is traveling down a flat set of railroad tracks. The last car of our hypothetical train is moving because it is coupled to the car ahead of it. The same is true of every other railroad car in that sequence; the motion of each individual car is explained by the action of the car that precedes it.

However, that chain of causality ends when we reach the engine. The engine explains why the first car is moving and why the remaining cars are moving by extension. In our analogy, the engine serves as a “first cause,” or the ultimate reason why our train is proceeding from point A to point B.

In a similar manner, the heavens and earth are much like individual segments in a series of moving railroad cars. They each point to the definite existence of an “engine” or an explanatory cause, even if we cannot see that cause. Here in Psalm 19:1-4 and Romans 1:19-20, the existence of God and the reality of His creative work represents the “engine” that explains the presence of the stellar heavens and the world we inhabit.

Image Attribution: Karora, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).

Our text from Romans 1:20 tells us that God has disclosed the reality of His existence to humanity. One way God communicates that reality is through general revelation, or the natural world around us. A good working definition of general (or natural) revelation might be this: “The knowledge of God’s existence that comes through creation to every member of the human family.”

General revelation is “general” for two reasons:

(1) It is general in content.
(2) It is revealed to a general audience.

For instance, the visible world is like a mirror that reflects the existence and power of its Creator. The natural world offers a means of verifying God’s reality and a way to understand some of His attributes. Anyone with the gift of sight may enter the theater of nature and observe the glory of God through creation. That theater encompasses the world we inhabit along with the observable universe.

At a minimum, the natural world makes the following declaration: if a finite universe exists, then something other than itself must have caused it. This causal relationship requires that a “Beginner” of the universe must exist by necessity. In other words, we can’t have a creation without a Creator. The natural world also tells us that this Beginner must possess certain attributes such as power, intelligence, and wisdom.

While countless individuals have neither seen a Bible nor heard the Word of God, they have been immersed in a natural theater where God reveals His divine presence. General revelation doesn’t tell us everything there is to know about God, but it does tell there is a Creator who is worthy of respect and honor. One scholar ties these elements together…

“Does this manifest revelation ‘get through’ to us and yield any knowledge of God? Paul does not leave us in doubt. He says this divine revelation is ‘seen’ and ‘understood.’ To see and understand something is to have some kind of knowledge about it…

God’s wrath is present, not because men fail to receive his natural revelation, but because, after receiving this knowledge, mankind fails to act appropriately… People reject the natural knowledge they have of God. This rejection, however, does not annihilate either the revelation or the knowledge itself. The sin of mankind is in refusing to acknowledge the knowledge they have. They act against the truth that God reveals and they clearly receive.” ₍₁₎

Image Attribution: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) Sproul, R. C. (1997). Grace Unknown: The Heart of Reformed Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Books

“because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them” (Romans 1:19).

We can always learn something about a person from the presence of his or her work. At a minimum, we can know that someone lived to create that work, even if he or she remains unseen. For instance, we might associate a high-quality piece of handiwork with the efforts of a skilled craftsman. In a similar manner, sculptures imply sculptors, paintings imply painters, and buildings imply builders.

Just as we can tell the existence of a worker by the presence of his or her work, the world we inhabit also demonstrates the presence of a divine architect. We can associate that architectural evidence with a philosophical assertion known as the teleological argument for God’s existence,. The word “telos” means “end” or “purpose,” and the teleological argument can be stated in three points…

1.) A design implies a designer.
2.) Creation shows evidence of design.
3.) Therefore, there is evidence of a Designer of creation.

The teleological argument says that Creation offers a kind of window through which we can see the reality of God’s existence. In other words, “…what is known about God should be plain to them because God made it plain to them” through the existence of His work. One source expands upon this idea with a readily understandable example…

“…when a rockhound sees small round rocks in a stream, it doesn’t surprise him because natural erosion rounds them that way. But when he finds an arrowhead he realizes that some intelligent being has deliberately altered the natural form of the rock. He sees complexity here that cannot be explained by natural forces. Now the design that we are talking about in this argument is complex design, not simple patterns; the more complex that design is, the greater the intelligence required to produce it…

The design we see in the universe is complex. The universe is a very intricate system of forces that work together for the mutual benefit of the whole. Life is a very complex development. A single DNA molecule, the building block of all life, carries the same amount of information as one volume of an encyclopedia. No one seeing an encyclopedia lying in the forest would hesitate to think that it had an intelligent cause; so when we find a living creature composed of millions of DNA-based cells, we ought to assume that it likewise has an intelligent cause.” ₍₁₎

Image Attribution: Burst , CC0 1.0 Universal, via NegativeSpace.co

(1) Geisler, N. L., & Brooks, R. M. (1990). When Skeptics Ask (p. 21). Victor Books.

“For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18 HCSB).

Why would human beings attempt to suppress the truth, as we’re told here in Romans 1:18? We can address that question with another question: what is the essential, foundational truth that is inherent to any human being? Well, the foundational truth about any member of the human race is that he or she exists. While there may be many things that are true about someone, the primary, fundamental truth about any human being is that he or she is.

With this in mind, we can ask a follow-up question: “What is ‘the truth’ about God?” The answer to that question is the same as it is for anyone else: God exists, or He “is.” To illustrate this concept, we can refer to an exchange between God and Moses, the famous Old Testament leader…

“Moses said to God, ‘Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?’ God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you’” (Exodus 3:13-14 NIV).

This reference to “I AM” is important, for it identifies God as a self-existent, eternal Being. However, God’s existence differs from that of every human person, for there was never a time when God did not exist. As the uncreated, eternal, first cause of every finite thing there is, only God alone can say, “I AM.”

This reality has led to many creative forms of suppression among those who are uncomfortable with the reality of God’s existence. For instance, the term “Mother Nature” is a common way of referring to creation in a manner that eliminates the idea of a Creator. We might also refer to “luck,” “fate,” “chance,” or “karma” in an effort to camouflage or dismiss any consideration of God and His sovereignty over the affairs of life.

Of course, some may challenge these assertions with the following objection: “We don’t know God exists. Therefore, we are incapable of suppressing that purported truth.” The Apostle Paul dismisses that objection in the following verse from our text: “What can be known about God is clear to them because he has made it clear to them” (Romans 1:19 GW).

Here begins a portion of the book of Romans that features one of the most penetrating assessments of the human condition in all Scripture. We’ll begin our consideration of those verses next.

Image Attribution: kai Stachowiak (publicdomainpictures.net): https://www.needpix.com/photo/1496113/

“But God shows His anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness” (Romans 1:18 NLT).

Romans 1:18 identifies three elements that provoke God’s wrath: the ungodliness and unrighteousness of human beings who suppress the truth. We have already considered two of those elements, and now it is time to move to the third item in this trilogy: those who “suppress the truth.”

The word “suppress” refers to the act of holding something down. A common analogy for understanding this word is that of a sailor who is determined to pilot his or her boat against a strong current of water. To accomplish this, the sailor must work to “suppress” or counteract the natural flow of water by forcing the rudder to take the boat in the direction he or she wishes to go instead of the direction of the current.

We can also draw a comparison between “the truth” as mentioned in this passage and the current of water in our illustration. In the context of Romans 1:18, “the truth” refers to what we can know about the reality of God’s existence. When the truth of God’s reality begins to press upon us, many respond with an attempt to suppress it, much like a ship that seeks to navigate against the current.

We’ll consider this reference to truth at greater length in our next study. But before we approach that topic, we should note that the act of suppressing the truth reflects an attitude of wickedness (Phillips), injustice (CEB), or unrighteousness (ESV) according to our text. In other words, there is a specific (and ungodly) mindset that serves as the driving force behind that response.

One source illustrates this idea with a memorable word-picture: “Truth… is out in the open, but wicked men, so to speak, put it in a box and sit on the lid and ‘hold it down in unrighteousness.'” ₍₁₎ Another commentator offers a straightforward explanation that characterizes the mindset behind that response….

“Romans 1:18 informs us about man’s spiritual condition in relation to the truth we are trying to proclaim. Here, Paul makes it clear that our hearers don’t have an information problem; they have a sin problem. Of course, ignorance figures into the equation. However, at a fundamental level, ignorance is not their issue. They ‘suppress the truth’ in their unrighteousness.” ₍₂₎

Romans chapter one will go on to explain how God communicates this truth regarding His existence (and why many attempt to suppress it) over the course of the next few verses.

Image Attribution: Photo by iSAW Company: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-speed-boat-on-sea-3274984/

(1) A.T. Robertson: Word Pictures in the New Testament – Christian Classics Ethereal Library. (n.d.). [Rom. 1:18] https://ccel.org/ccel/robertson_at/word/word.ix.i.html

(2) Baucham, V., Jr. (2015). Expository Apologetics: Answering Objections with the Power of the Word. Wheaton, IL: Crossway. [p. 19]

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18 ESV).

The next characteristic that elicits the wrath of God is unrighteousness. “Unrighteousness” is a wide-ranging term that encompasses various forms of injustice, inappropriate conduct, or violations of the law. ₍₁₎ Synonymous terms for unrighteousness include words such as iniquity, falsehood, deceitfulness, wickedness and/or wrongdoing. ₍₂₎ With these things in mind, we can say that “unrighteousness” is associated with an array of inappropriate attitudes and behaviors.

On a personal level, unrighteousness refers to what you are, while ungodliness refers to who you are. To put it another way, ungodliness is primarily internal, while unrighteousness is primarily external. This order makes logical sense, for an ungodly person is sure to express that characteristic through his or her unrighteous interactions with others.

Unrighteousness is certain to follow ungodliness for another good reason. Once our vertical relationship with God is damaged or marred, it will surely impact our horizontal relationship with others. One commentator discusses that dynamic in greater detail…

“Scholars with keen insight tell us this relates to the fact that the Ten Commandments were given on two tablets. The first tablet listed four commandments that governed man’s relationship with God. There were six commandments on the second tablet that governed man’s relationship with his fellow man… when Paul references the ‘ungodliness of men,’ he is referring to the violation of the first four commandments. In other words, when man violates the first four commandments he is guilty of ungodliness…

Since the six commandments on the second tablet govern the relationships of God’s people, when Paul references ‘unrighteousness,’ he is addressing the violation of the six commandments that are on the second tablet. When the people of God fail to do what is right in their relationships, they are guilty of unrighteousness.” ₍₃₎

Finally, ungodliness and unrighteousness lead us to violate what Jesus identified as the two greatest commandments…

“And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test him: ‘Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands'” (Matthew 22:35-40 CSB).

So, ungodliness is related to one’s failure to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Unrighteousness is related to one’s failure to “love your neighbor as yourself .” These characteristics also lead to an additional response that we’ll examine next.

(1) See G93 – adikia – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g93/kjv/mgnt/0-1/

(2) adikia. (n.d.). billmounce.com. https://www.billmounce.com/greek-dictionary/adikia

(2) Dick Woodward, Mini Bible College Booklet Twenty-Nine The Book Of Romans Verse By Verse (part one) [pg.17-18] https://mbc.icm.org/

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness” (Romans 1:18 NIV).

Paul the Apostle paints a compelling word-picture that enriches our appreciation for the ideas he presents in this passage. For example, notice that God’s wrath emanates from His very dwelling place, for it is “…being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness.” And lest we fall into the mistaken notion that such judgment is reserved for the distant future, we are told that God’s wrath “is being revealed” even today. Psalm 7:11 offers a counterpart to this idea when it tells us, “God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day.”

That brings us to this reference to “godlessness,” a term that means “without reverence for God.” A godless person is someone who lives as if God did not exist, or exhibits irreverence for Him in thought, word, or deed. Much like a warning lamp that signals the presence of a fault condition, godlessness signals a defect in one’s vertical relationship with his or her Creator.

Of course, this attribute is not the sole property of those who explicitly reject their Creator. For instance, there are many who choose to live as “practical atheists.” This phrase describes those who acknowledge the existence of a god in theory, but show little evidence of that acknowledgment in their daily lives. In pragmatic terms, there is a substantial difference between the abstract concept of a higher power or a superior being, and the God of the Scriptures.

You see, it is one thing to affirm the existence of an idealistic god who makes no demands upon one’s life. Such a “god” can assume any form we like and asks nothing more of us than whatever we are already willing to offer. It also liberates us from the prospect of a potentially uncomfortable assessment of our lives in the hereafter. However, it is quite another matter to affirm the existence of a God who holds His human creation accountable for every thought, word, and deed.

If our concept of “god” is built upon something other than the God who is revealed to us in the Biblical Scriptures, then we are undoubtedly preparing ourselves for a future we do not expect. God has always been who He said He is, but He may not be who we say He is if our image of Him is not based on the God who is revealed to us in the Scriptures.

Image Attribution: PickPik

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth by their unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18 NET).

Our survey of this important passage continues with a look at this reference to “wrath.” A fresh perspective on this text may prove beneficial, for it is often easy to view the concept of “God’s wrath” through the lens of human anger.

For instance, God does not express His wrath in an uncontrolled eruption of rage like the furious response of a motorist to a roadway incident. Nor is the wrath of God emotionally unstable or erratic like some expressions of human anger. God’s wrath is also more than just a mere expression of annoyance or resentment. Instead, the wrath of God represents a justified response to the presence of ungodliness and unrighteousness.

One source offers a definition of the word “wrath” in the context of Romans 1:18…

“The New Testament word for ‘wrath’ is orge. It carries the meaning of ‘strong desire,’ ‘violent passion,’ and ‘ire’ (see Eph. 2:3; Col. 3:6; 1 Thess. 5:9; Rev. 6:16). As applied to God, wrath means His anger at and hatred of sin, His righteous indignation at all evil, and His jealous execution of judgment on unrighteousness. However, wrath, while rooted in God’s essential nature as just, is not an attribute, but an act that flows from His unchanging righteousness.” ₍₁₎

It may be easier to understand God’s wrath if we think back to His creative efforts as recorded in the Biblical book of Genesis. For example, God characterized His creation as “very good” prior to the introduction of sin into the world (Genesis 1:31). However, the advent of sin brought ungodliness, unrighteousness, and a host of other inappropriate attitudes and behaviors. As a result, God’s creation was no longer “very good.” If we could place ourselves in God’s position and reflect on how we might feel if others destroyed a creation of our own in that manner, we might find it easier to empathize with this response.

Finally, another commentary draws our attention to the legitimacy of God’s wrath…

“…we must remember that God’s anger is not without justification. As Paul says in Romans 1, God’s anger is directed against the unrighteousness and ungodliness of men. He is not becoming angry over nothing; He is not overreacting. He is not simply being touchy or flying off the handle for no real reason. Rather, He is responding to real evil.

Being holy in all His being, He cannot react any other way to evil—anger against sin is the proper response for Him. Therefore, God’s anger is known as righteous anger. Though He is patient and gracious, He does grow angry over implacable unrighteousness, and He is justified in doing so.” ₍₂₎

(1) Geisler, N. L. (2003). Systematic Theology: God/Creation. Bethany House Publishers. [p.397]

(2) God’s furious anger. (n.d.). https://tabletalkmagazine.com/daily-study/2003/06/gods-furious-anger-3/

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).

The late Dr. J. Vernon McGee was a longtime pastoral minister and host of the “Thru the Bible” radio program. Shortly after he relocated to California in the United States, McGee was asked how he liked his new pastoral position. “It’s wonderful. I enjoy it, but there is something strange out here…” he replied. “I can teach the Book of Revelation in my church, and it will fill up on Wednesday nights. But if I teach the Epistle to the Romans, I empty the church.” ₍₁₎

J. Vernon McGee may have had our text from Romans 1:18 in mind when he made that observation, for this passage marks our entry into a profoundly challenging portion of Scripture. From this point forward and continuing into chapter three, Paul the Apostle will lay out the justification for God’s indictment of this world. Much like a courtroom attorney, he will begin by presenting several pieces of evidence to support that indictment.

The first exhibit in that line of evidence involves the human inclination to suppress what we know of God’s existence (verses eighteen and nineteen). The next exhibit will probe humanity’s deliberate rejection of the forms of revelation that God makes available to us (verses nineteen and twenty). Finally, Paul will close this chapter with a long list of examples that document humanity’s preference to think and act in ways that dishonor its Creator (verses twenty-one to thirty-two).

Paul’s opening argument begins here in verse eighteen with a reference to “the wrath of God” that “is revealed from heaven.” There are two ways we can view this reference to God’s wrath. First, we can view the wrath of God as something that is rehabilitative in nature. From this perspective, God’s wrath serves to persuade and encourage us to refrain from harmful actions. Much like a scalpel in the hands of a skilled surgeon, God’s wrath is often painful, but highly effective in healing those who demonstrate the need for such procedures.

A second (and more difficult) option is to view the wrath of God as a punitive response. This involves a sentence or penalty incurred by those who defiantly refuse to permit the truth of God’s Word to influence their behavior. For example, there are undoubtedly many who know what they should do in a given situation but spurn the opportunity to act on what they know. In such instances, we might view the wrath of God as a disciplinary sentence that is imposed upon those who persistently refuse to do what they know is right.

(1) J. Vernon McGee, Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee, “Revelation 10:8-11” Copyright 1981 by J. Vernon McGee

“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17 KJV).

The latter portion of Romans 1:17 brings us to one of the greatest affirmations in all Scripture: “The just shall live by faith.” That spiritual truth first appeared in the book of the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk, and served as the catalyst that inspired the Protestant Reformation. In addition to its appearance here in Romans 1:17, this great spiritual truth is also referenced in the New Testament books of Galatians and Hebrews as well (see Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38).

This conviction is one that characterized the great men and women of God’s Word and continues to do so in the lives of those who seek to honor God today. The following author highlights the fruit of that principle in the lives of God’s people…

“…the thing that characterizes the righteous person above all else is an abiding trust in God and His promises. Because righteous people trust the Lord, they continue to believe Him even when He seems slow to act. They do not just believe in God—they believe God. Because they believe the Lord, they are faithful to Him and they obey Him—truly though imperfectly— out of their deep loyalty to Him.” ₍₁₎

When facing a circumstance that defies easy explanation, we can benefit from remembering that the just shall live by faith. We can also draw comfort and insight from the following portions of Scripture…

“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you” (Psalm 37:5 NLT).

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV).

“If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it” (James 1:5 TLB).

With these things in mind, we can make a practical (albeit difficult) application. Since this passage tells us that the just shall live by faith, we should not be surprised if God permits us to enter a life circumstance (or many life circumstances) that requires us to exercise it. Therefore, we should recognize that God has an ultimate purpose behind the challenges and difficulties He allows us to experience and will ultimately bring something beneficial from them.

(1) The Righteous shall live by faith (2014, January 10). Ligonier Ministries. https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/righteous-shall-live-faith

“For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith, just as it is written, ‘The righteous by faith will live'” (Romans 1:17 NET).

Although modern technology continues to blur the line between what is real and what is electronically altered, many still accept the premise that “seeing is believing.” But real, Biblical faith often functions in the opposite manner: first you believe and then you see. Jesus illustrated that contrast when He told His followers, “…whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24 NIV).

While some might seize upon that invitation as an opportunity to pursue any number of requests, there are limitations on the things God will give us, no matter how much faith we possess. For instance, God will never give us something that is ultimately bad for us (see Matthew 7:9-11 and James 1:17). The Scriptures also tell us that certain prerequisites are necessary if we desire to see God answer our prayers. Those includes…

• Faith (Hebrews 11:6).
• Remaining, staying, or abiding in Christ (John 15:7).
• Asking for things that are aligned with God’s character and not prompted by selfish desires (James 4:3).
• Asking for things that are in God’s will (1 John 5:14-15).

If those qualities influence the things we seek in prayer, then we are free to follow Jesus’ counsel from the Gospel of Matthew: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7 NIV).

We should also acknowledge the distinction between “faith” and “blind faith.” For instance, “blind faith” involves belief without evidence, or a type of faith that has no basis in reality. On the other hand, Biblical faith reflects a confident assurance that grows from the evidential nature of Jesus’ ministry. For instance, consider how Jesus appealed to the miraculous evidence He offered to support His claims…

“If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him” (John 10:37-38).

“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves” (John 14:11).

“But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me” (John 5:36).

We should never mistake genuine faith for blind faith. Instead, genuine faith involves trust in the God who demonstrates His faithfulness through the pages of the Scriptures and in the lives of His people.

“For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith, just as it is written, ‘The righteous by faith will live'” (Romans 1:17 ESV).

Scholars and commentators have wrestled with the precise meaning of the term “faith to faith” here in Romans 1:17. For instance, this portion of Scripture may relate to God’s faithfulness in respect to our faith, or it may refer to ever-increasing degrees of faith.

However, it seems likely that this simple but challenging phrase has a different meaning: a life that reflects the good news of salvation through faith in Christ is one that produces an attitude of faith “from start to finish.”

Several translations of this passage take this interpretive approach…

• “…it is through faith from beginning to end” (GNB).
• “…[it] begins and ends with faith” (GW).
• “…[it] is by faith from first to last” (NIV).

The Biblical Scriptures repeatedly highlight the importance of faith in God, but what does “faith” really entail? To answer that question, we can turn to the following definition of faith offered by one Bible dictionary: “[Faith is a] belief in or confident attitude toward God, involving commitment to His will for one’s life.” ₍₁₎ However, the New Testament book of Hebrews provides us with the best definition of faith…

“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]” (Hebrews 11:1-3 AMP).

In light of these definitions, we can say that genuine, Biblical faith reflects the firm conviction that God is who He says He is, and will do what He says He will do. It also encompasses the confident expectation that God will act faithfully to fulfill His promises, even when external appearances seem to suggest otherwise. This kind of faith forms a key characteristic of a life that honors God, for as we’re told here in Romans 1:17, “…’The person who has God’s approval will live by faith'” (GW).

This means faith is more than just a personal attribute; it also embodies a behavioral mindset that should define those who genuinely seek to follow Christ. In the words of one source, “…[T]o say ‘the righteous live by faith’ is to say that the righteous live their lives in loyalty to God, inspired by a personal trust in His promises. Righteous people live a life that is characterized in an abiding trust in the goodness of God despite their situation.” ₍₂₎

Image Attribution : Faith Written On Rock, CC0 Public Domain, Circe Denyer, via Public Domain Pictures.net

(1) “Faith.” Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers

(2) Being Faithful (2004, August 31). Ligonier Ministries. https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/being-faithful